SINTEF Energy carries out extensive research and development activities within power markets, with a particular focus on market solutions, modelling and analysis. For the Nordic system, with a large share of reservoir-based hydropower, this involves optimizing energy storage under uncertainty. We develop and operate advanced market models that simulate the Nordic power market, while also researching the emergence of local energy markets. Our solutions cover a wide range of applications – from investment analyses and long-term price forecasts to strategic reservoir management for hydropower, integration of local flexibility, and balancing during power system operation.
Our key tools
-
Samkjøringsmodellen and Prodrisk – for long-term planning and simulation of hydropower in the Nordic market.
-
Samnett – for simulating the interaction between the power market and the transmission grid.
-
SHOP – for short-term optimization of hydropower production.
-
Trident – a next-generation power market model developed to address increased variability from renewable energy, energy storage and hydrogen.
-
Primod and ReSDDP – research prototypes focusing on flexibility and analyses of balancing and reserve markets.
These tools are used by power producers, system operators and regulators to ensure efficient operation, security of supply and planning in an increasingly complex energy system.
The power market in transition
The power market is characterized by increasing price volatility, driven by weather dependency, climate change, and uncertainty related to energy availability and security of supply. At the same time, significant changes are taking place in market design, such as flow-based market coupling and automated balancing with 15-minute time resolution. SINTEF Energy contributes through analyses, competence building, and input to market design and regulation to address these challenges.
The emergence of local energy markets
In addition to changes in the Nordic and European markets, we see an increasing importance of local energy markets. These enable households, commercial buildings and microgrids to trade energy and flexibility directly, often based on platform solutions and automated control systems. SINTEF Energy conducts research on:
-
Design and regulation of local markets and products
-
Integration with the central power system
-
Data security and incentives for flexibility
This is particularly relevant in light of increasing electrification and the need for local grid balancing.
Relevant projects:
-
KSP RES100, PriBas, PowerDig
-
FME NTRANS, RenewHydro, InterPlay
-
EU PowerMax, iDesignRES, Market4RES
-
IPN Nordenstein, VannFly, SOVN, IBM